It happens in class all the time. I’m playing a song from my high school years, and then I get this question from my students. “Wow, Ms. Johnson, what song is this? This is old school, rock, yeah?” Then it hits me. Am I that old? This song came out 6 years ago! I am Millennial (Gen Y) and my students are from Generation Z. I guess I am getting old(er).

Besides the differences in music, I have noticed there are differences in the way that my students think, process information, and interact with others. The differences are outlined in this article. Yet, I am of skeptical of most online articles comparing Centennials to Millenials. I question where the author has collected data about these generation’s sense of style, serious-ness about life, and their ability to be less judgmental.

There are some truth to these articles, though.

One solid truth that is pertinent to Centennials is that they do not remember a time before the internet and social media. This generation is used to sensory overload, so they need less time to filter through information. But that means that they lose interest just as quick. These young people are comfortable forming close and intimate relationships online, through text, and through social media. My students would rather open up google chat and chat across the room to collaborate. They definitely text each other at recess whilst standing right next to each other. Also, I cut down my instructions to a mere 6 minutes because anything after that will be lost in their memories. They treat their digital devices as an intimate friend. Also, they will break into tears if their cell phone screen shatters into a million pieces.

But overall, I am hopeful for them.

Overall, technology is an integral part of their lives. As an educator, I believe that it is important to be knowledgeable and empathize with our students. As this infographic about 21st century learning states, educators need to design lessons from the student’s point of view. What is valuable to them? What motivates, engages, and inspires them? How are my students interpreting my lesson? What if educators align their teaching practice to how students learn in the real-world? What type of learning gains will these children experience if we do so?

The internet contains a plethora of facts. Gone are the days where teachers hold all the knowledge, because now, we can just Google it. As educators, what if we saw ourselves as “wisdom-holders” rather than “knowledge-holders?”

Even though people may have nuanced opinions on what defines Generation Z, I believe that no matter what classroom you are in, kids will always have the same fundamental physical and psychological challenges. When I have conversations with veteran teachers, they describe that in any generation pre-teens have are a similar set of challenges.

As I teach n a middle school, my students face rapidly changing bodies, invisible hormones imbalances, they are more cognizant of how the world affects them, and they want to be validated by adults and peers. Although I have read articles about the differences between Gen Y and Gen Z, as an educator it is always sensible to address student’s socio-emotional challenges first. Then, I address the tougher stuff which is teaching English Language Arts.

But, as I said, I have so much hope for the next generation to succeed.

Centennials are the next generation of students who will change the future. It is my kuleana (responsibility) to foster their well-being and aligning my teaching practice to what they experience in real-life. I am a firm believer in constructivism, and believe students learn when they are actively creating something. Technology is not a requirement in the classroom for student learning. It is a tool so students can be in control of their learning.

Mahalo.